What is the name of the instrument used to measure the thickness of the cornea?

The instrument specifically designed to measure the thickness of the cornea is known as a pachymeter. This device provides critical measurements that are important in assessing eye health, especially in conditions such as glaucoma or after refractive surgeries like LASIK. Pachymetry helps determine if the corneal thickness is within a healthy range, which can influence treatment decisions and the management of various ocular conditions.

The other instruments listed serve different purposes. An ophthalmoscope is used to examine the retina and the optic nerve, while a retinoscope assesses refractive errors by evaluating the reflection of light from the retina. A tonometer measures intraocular pressure, which is vital in glaucoma diagnosis but does not provide information about corneal thickness. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why the pachymeter is the appropriate choice for measuring corneal thickness.